The Audio Long Read A cool flame: how Gaia theory was born out of a secret love affair
Nov 25, 2024
Jonathan Watts, a journalist known for his insightful articles, dives deep into the intriguing origins of Gaia theory, spotlighting the passionate collaboration between scientist James Lovelock and his vital, yet overlooked, partner. The discussion reveals how their secret romance sparked groundbreaking ideas about Earth's interconnectedness. Watts also touches on turbulent times in the NASA space program, illustrating how emotional challenges intertwined with scientific exploration, showcasing the profound interplay between love and discovery.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Gaia Theory Insight
- James Lovelock's Gaia theory views Earth as a self-regulating organism.
- This holistic view, though initially controversial, has influenced climate science and environmentalism.
Meeting Lovelock
- Jonathan Watts met Lovelock in 2020, when Lovelock was 101.
- Lovelock revealed hidden aspects of his life and work, including the unacknowledged contributions of Diane Hitchcock to Gaia theory.
Love and Gaia
- Lovelock's Gaia theory originated from his work at NASA's JPL.
- His affair with Diane Hitchcock, a philosopher and systems analyst, shaped the theory's development.
